Michael Jackson met with about 200 children at Neverland Ranch, his home with the amusement park, on Friday.

Although he is about to face child molestation charges, and has been accused of sleeping with children at the ranch, Jackson invited the children and their families to go on rides, pet animals at his zoo, and ride his miniature train.

Jackson was photographed running to meet the families with a huge smile on his face. He reportedly greeted the busloads by declaring, “I love you” and “Merry Christmas.” The children also met Santa Claus.

This is the same ranch that police raided twice in the last year, looking for evidence. Jackson is set to begin his trial on January 31.

Jackson often invites children and their families to visit the ranch, but rarely makes an appearance. His publicist said events go on at Neverland daily, and he invites children to visit the ranch about three times a month.

USA Today reports that the children on Friday ranged in age from 3 to teenagers, and were from six organizations including some from the First AME Church and some with special needs.






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